Gee How Oak Tin Association and Foundation:
2006 Golden Circle Awardee
The Gee How Oak Tin Association, which means Hall of Brotherhood, is a family clan comprised of Chinese with the surnames Chan or Chin, Woo, and Yuen. Its history dates back some 4,300 years ago to their ancestor, Tai Shuen, Emperor of Yu.
Initially each of these surnames had its own association in America. In Seattle, however, they came together in 1900 to establish the first Gee How Oak Tin Association in this country. Moreover, the organization was the first Chinese association established in Washington State.
The purpose of the association is to perpetuate the teachings of Tai Shuen; to unite the Chan, Woo and Yuen families in the spirit of self-government and mutual help; to promote happiness and welfare among its members; and to support charitable and educational projects in the community.
The Seattle OakTin Association is one of the branches of the national Gee How Oak Tin Association headquartered in San Francisco.
The association initially occupied two offices on the third floor of the Wa Chong Building at 408 Main Street, in the old Chinese quarters in what is now called the Pioneer Square District. Chin Chun Hock, an association member, who was also the first Chinese in Seattle and a very successful merchant, donated the space. Chin Han was the first president of the association.
In 1910, the association moved to a larger space on the third floor of the western Kong Yick Building at 719 King Street. It needed more space to accommodate the increasing number of new Chinese immigrants arriving in the city.
In 1967, the association made two significant additions. In the spring of that year, they established a women's auxiliary, which organizes programs and charities for its members and the Chinese community. Second, they organized the Lake Sun Kee Loo, a social organization that helps out with social, educational and fund raising activities.
The Gee How Oak Tin Foundation was incorporated in 1989 to develop and manage a residential housing facility for low-income residents. The Foundation received a donation of the building and land and money from the association to help renovate the facility. In 1990, the Oak Tin Building was substantially rehabilitated from single room occupancy units to 21 housing units for low-income tenants. Most of those who had lived there prior to the rehab moved back. To this day, Gee How Oak Tin Foundation is the only Chinese association in Seattle Chinatown to undertake a major renovation and upgrade it's building to provide decent, affordable housing to newer immigrants and lower income households.
Oak Tin Association and Foundation not only helps their clan members. Over the years, they have provided college scholarships and have contributed, financially and otherwise, to many, many community causes and community organizations. Kin On Nursing Home and the Chinese Heritage Society are just two of the community organizations that regularly receive donations from the association and foundation. Just recently, they have donated monies to Tsunami Relief fund and to the Chinatown Gates project.
© 2006 OCA-Greater Seattle Chapter
OCA - GREATER SEATTLE CHAPTER